"From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your Life! Introduction

"From Challenge to Change to Courage ... God's Master Plan" for your Life!

Introduction

A Swedish chandelier that I wanted to bring home in my carry-on!

I've accumulated various titles along my journey ...

Lady Traveler ... Gypsy Mama ... Road Runner ... Wild (power) Walker ...

... Amazing Author (I just made that one up)

... The Almost-Famous Author ... that's me!

For my next season of writing I'm going to take a shift.

Fourteen years ago (2006) when we moved from Southern California to Fort Mill, South Carolina,

I landed a great job working in the H.R. office at Books-A-Million (traveling included!) 

I soon began attending weekly meetings for working Christian women.

One evening after an energized session I was asked by the founder of the non-profit organization  

if I would write her blog.  "I just don't have time!" Jane blurted.

"And I love your blogs," she added.

She did?  Jane actually had time to read my silly ol' blogs that sometimes 

ramble and drift down bunny trails?

I was new at this whole blog experience, but what could I say?  

As I gazed into her tired, blood-shot eyes, I accepted her offer.

Yes, success oftentimes leads to frustration.

Jane's red eyes teared up, she smiled, then threw pages of notes on the table.

"Here. Take my notes and make the blog your own," Jane said.

One of my favorite places ... Florence, Italy ... Tuscany!  I shall return!

 So now, my eclectic ladies, near and far,  I'll be sharing my 

"From Challenge to Change to Courage" blog with you!

Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom,

a single gal, a retired lady (like me!)

there's something for everyone.

Here's a small sample:

Today's women are facing many Challenges.  Challenges that call for Change.  Speaking from experience, I can tell you that Change can be scary, but as we trust in the Lord we realize that God allows Change for our benefit.  However, when we're going through these Challenges and Changes we sometimes 

cannot see the forest for the trees.  

But when we allow God to direct our path, 

Courage comes on the scene ...

then anything can happen!

Next time we're going to talk about God's perfect timing, 

Until then,

Keep reading, and

keep that body movin'!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

http:/www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

To wRiters, tRavelers, and Runners #walkeRs out there in Lady Leaf Land ...

To wRiters, tRavelers, and Runners #walkeRs out there in Lady Leaf Land ...

A safe-sorta-sunny harbor day in Ventura, CA 2018

I'm loving my time at Leaf's Lake House,

but a touch of cabin fever was beginning to settle in.

Not to complain but ...

so much rain ... too cold.

Then just in time, it's time for

The Carolina Christian Writers Conference!

Two days hanging with

fellow writers, friends,

gifted speakers, editors, and authors

left me inspired to continue my writing journey.

Mostly.

I admit there were moments I caught myself thinking, 

What are you doing here?

What makes you think you can write?

You still have SO much to learn.

All the negatives that haunt the writer

loom around every corner,

waiting to tear you down,

shred any confidence you may have

in your writing skills.

So I wait for those profound words

that will drive me to keep typing on,

forging me ahead to finish 

that article, that blog, THE BOOK.

The words come from the guest speaker.

She softly says,

Reclaim your time, your activities.

Shed distractions.

Be still in your calling, your purpose, your anchor.

Choose rest.

Create and honor a sacred place of prayer, meditation, and rest.

Ahh.

Such kind words.  Wise words.

So much better than all the worrying and negative thoughts

that invade our minds each time we receive yet another

Rejection letter.

On Lady Leaf's Loft wall as a reminder to ... Type! Type!! Type!!!

The last moments of the conference

gave me a very positive meeting with a
major representative from a trad-publishing company

regarding my manuscript, Lady on the Run.

Another Ahh.

There is light at the end of the writing tunnel.
I am called of God to write.

It all shall come to pass in God's timing, not mine.
I'm again inspired to write on!

Your angel is running with you!
Drawing from my original '70s Lady on the Run manuscript

In the meantime,

What Now?

This RED (Retired-Extremely-Daring) lady continues to
venture to the gym, walking with the international Run 4 God group,
and head out my door for the invigorating power walks.

Living healthy is keeping our bodies moving---at our own pace.
And to plan the next tRavel tRip to ....

I wish you oceans of wRiting, Running #walking, and tRavel blessings!

Let us run with patience the race that is set before us--at our own pace!

Hebrews 12:1

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

Remember to drop by to read my latest blog on website:

www.retirementandgoodliving.com